Another day was dawning in Da Lat, as the sun was gradually spreading its light, displaying to our eyes the amazingly rich nature of the city. In Da Lat, during night-time as well as daytime, temperatures ranged around 17 to 22 Celcius degrees. However, to us, who had long got used to the hot and humid of Ho Chi Minh City, taking off our socks or walking barefoot on the stone floor at night or in the early morning was barely possible, and neither were any rooms equipped with a heater. But it was lucky for us that there was a thick and warm blanket, big enough for both of my sisters and me (and even one more friend of mine) to fit in.
Emily and Sarah did have a peaceful night’s rest, as sound as a bell for another all-day trip out. They woke up early and went out for some fresh atmosphere as if they were making the most of the trip, so that they would be able to either keep my parents updated or make sure they did not miss any fun; or as if they were making the most of the city in case they might miss it a lot when they got back home. Anyway, both Emily and Sarah showed much interest in the garden that we could view from our windows, a very nice and green one surrounding the walking path. My sisters loved to look at the flowers and plants there, knowing that nowhere in their hometown would they be able to find these beautiful flora.
It was at this moment that I had a special focus on Sarah, a little girl who loved the arts. If you asked Sarah what was her favorite hobby, I bet she would say, ‘Drawing!’ This artistic young lady was eager to learn that Da Lat was a destination of flowers. She spent lots of her time in the garden and often brought to me the photos she had taken on my phone. I guess there were some similarities between Sarah and me. We both enjoyed traveling, and if possible, we would definitely keep for ourselves several things that we found interesting alongside every journey whether in a photo album, a collection box or a carefully-noted diary. That was one of the reasons why I decided to bring her with me.
Another reason, which could also be considered as the second resemblance between me and Sarah, was that she loved to care for her younger sister, Emily. The sense of responsibility, the thoughtfulness and thoroughness she owned in combination with her willing heart gave Sarah the capability of making a great job of an assisstant to me and also a companion to Emily. Since her early childhood, Sarah had learned to take care of her baby sister while spending a lot of time with our mother. This very opportunity came as a blessing for Sarah herself, and for Emily, too, to have Sarah as a bosom friend, a caretaker and an instructor.
So on the second day and third day of our trip, we visited several places known as ‘Da Lat City’s tourist attractions’, some of which struck me as amazing spaces while others were just modestly beautiful, but no matter how those sceneries entered the assessing eyes of such a curious visitor like me, every single one place we set foot in left me with a memory.
For example, while at the Clay Tunnel of Da Lat, our team began to separate out since we wanted to have adequate time for personal exploration of the landmark. I was going with one of my sisters, Emily, and Sarah was going with my friends. We were given half an hour for all sightseeing activities. The tunnel was comparable to a maze with clay sculpted in a sophisticated manner. Sometimes you needed to climb heights to be able to totally view the artistic structure. This was quite easy for those who were not accompanied by a kid and those who were immune to acrophobia; otherwise it would have been rather risky.
So time was on its way to pass, and I, after taking quite a look around, was trying to put back into order the pieces of memory I had for the way to… get out of the tunnel. However, it really seemed that I had no idea how to navigate ourselves. So much the worse, the pressure of time elapsing and climbing dangerous rock faces baffled me. There were only Emily and me going on our own, who else was going to rescue us? Once again, I called out to God for help.
I did not want to let Emily know what was happening. It would not be a good idea to worry her. But… what if she figured out how to go back? I was not sure yet hoped that I would not make the situation go from bad to worse again, and I risked asking my sister. ‘Emily, I’m so sorry but I think we have been lost. I can’t figure out where we are. Do you remember how we got in here? Can you help me?’ – I confessed. Being silent for a moment, Emily answered, ‘Yes. I do. Follow me.’ There was a slight chance of hope for me (not to say I was about to jump with joy!) Then Emily took my hand and guided me out of the tunnel. She made mistakes at times, but together we worked well as a team and finally got back in time.
There was so much more going on during our second and third days in Da Lat I could just tell you part of the journey. Not only did my sisters benefit a lot from it but I myself also learned plenty. Before this story ends here, let’s have a look at some photos!
We arrived home in the evening of the third day, weary and sleepy. However, I was so grateful for this trip and for the fact that both of my sisters could participate. To me God gave an opportunity to witness the day-to-day growth of my sisters. The trip was another step forward that I took to experiencing and proving ‘what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ Did God ignore my requests to be saved through the rough mountainous terrain on the way to Da Lat? Didn’t He empty my anxious heart to refill it with peace and joy? Didn’t He give my sisters an enjoyable vacation that I had asked Him for? The answers were so evident I could even boast that it was no one else but God who was so faithful to His promise, “Call on me in prayer and I will answer you. I will show you great and mysterious things which you still do not know about.” (Jeremiah 33: 3)
Light I Walk With 
Linh, again, very enjoyable and well written.
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Thanks so much, Bob. Glad that you liked it!
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Reblogged this on DIARIO DI ALISON.
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